During his two-day visit to Pakistan the Iranian health minister is expected to hold important meetings with health ministers of Qatar, Oman, Iraq and Morocco.

Hashemi will also meet with Director General of WHO's Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean Mahmoud Fikri.

More than 250 public health representatives and experts will discuss important public health priorities for countries of the region in the meeting.

Earlier in a statement, Pakistan’s Minister for Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar said the mega health event in Pakistan is reflective of the country’s increasing role as a major player in global health.

The Regional Committee will also endorse a proposed updated framework for action on climate change and healthcare.